Hrethel

Hrethel was the king of the Geats during the early 6th century, succeeding Swerting and preceding Haethcyn. Hrethel was the son of Swerting and the father of Haethcyn, Herebeald, Hygelac, and a daughter who married the warrior Ecgtheow. Hrethel fostered his grandson Beowulf, taking him into his court when he was seven years old. Hrethel died of grief when Herebeald died in a hunting accident at the hands of his other son Haethcyn, making Hrethel unable to avenge his son's death.